The fascination exerted by great historical figures led Mr. Preston to delve deep into the life and personality of Napoleon Bonaparte in his early childhood. Now, after many years of dedicated study and reflection, he has been able to produce this work on the final years as the man commonly seen as epitomizing those enigmatic leaders who - supposedly - have so greatly influenced human history. Mr. Preston's intention, in his own words, "is not to judge or even explain Napoleon's life or personality, but simply to accompany his gradual demise at Saint Helena as closely as possible and to 'meet the man''" Conclusions are thus entirely left to the reader's discretion once he has "accompanied" the Emperor during his long years of seclusion at Saint Helena...